Week 4 Recap - Feeling Results

After a bit of a rough start to the week last week, I was frustrated. But even more so, I was determined to pay attention to what my body is actually telling me on a day to day basis. Are you full? Why does this run hurt? Did you eat enough? When was the last time you had some water? Why are you feeling tired?

And then the evil thoughts started streaming...
"You're fat" 
"You're not attractive"

I won't say more, because we have all been there. Am I right? I felt like I had a set back last week and so I felt negative about myself. When in all reality, I have an awesome life with people who love me for who I am and I am making real strides towards overall health. I was just having a pity party because I didn't see the numbers go down on the scale. 

Photo By: Gina Defraia, FancyPants Photography

Today, I weighed myself again. I saw the numbers go down and was extremely excited. I instantly felt better about myself. But then I realized I had just weighed myself two days ago and had seen no change. How fickle and fleeting are our bodies! I had been looking for an immediate reward this whole time. And so when I didn't get it, I reverted back to bad habits. Making this whole personal project feel more like a sham. SO, instead of acting like a child I decided to WOMAN up and act like I am 25 years old. Here's what I know about being 25:

• I don't know everything
• Each day cannot be planned out and 100% known
• You need to love yourself and find your version happiness every single day
• Rewards are great, but healthy habits are better
• If you don't try to take care of yourself, no one else will... because they can't
• Little wins add up to bigger & more sustainable wins over time
• Exercising every day improves SO MANY facets of your life
• You should stop eating when you're full --- you can always snack later ;)
• Like experiences, numbers are also relative. Read this Buzzfeed article

Photo By Gina Defraia 

And you remember those questions I asked myself last week? Here's what I noticed:

• I run more freely only after I have had a healthy snack an hour or so before working out. This goes for really any workout.
  Some snacks I like before working out are...
• 1 small slice whole wheat bread, hummus, and a few carrots 
• An apple and a dab of peanut butter 
• A small smoothie made with almond milk, blueberries, frozen kale, 1/2 banana
  
• I actually don't need to eat a lot in one sitting, and I am more drawn to snacking throughout the day. The best trick so far for me is while I am eating is, if I feel full, I put my plate down and do something else for a bit. After a few minutes if I feel hungry again, I eat. If not, I wrap my meal up for later. Don't feel chained to your plate!
  
• If you're hungry, you SHOULD eat something. Junk will only make you feel worse. Think of what will best fuel you for the rest of the day.  And NOT eating will make you feel angry and dizzy. Not to mention you won't be able to enjoy your workout or even that hangout session with your best friend.
  
• You feel tired because you are dehydrated and you didn't move enough during the day. You're sluggish, not sleep deprived. Drink some water, go for a walk.

So, if you're reading this. How was your week? What did you learn about yourself? I'd love to know.